Service user experiences of a community forensic personality disorder service: a qualitative survey

Abstract

Managing the risk posed by violent and sexual offenders who have a personality disorder is a key priority in forensic mental health services. An important element of service delivery is to maintain client engagement with the care team in order to promote positive change. Service‐user involvement in multi‐method evaluations has been shown to increase involvement and ownership of services and thereby increase engagement. This study presents the findings from a qualitative service user evaluation of a pilot project known as the Forensic Intensive Psychological Treatment Service (FIPTS). The main findings highlight the importance of a good therapeutic relationship and good communication with the care team, how therapy work offers insight and understanding into behaviour, encouraging service users to make positive changes, and how returning to work gives hope, independence and confidence. Service users generally feel supported and able to approach the team with any concerns of escalating risk and also highlight certain areas of improvement.

Citation

Jacobs, B., Bruce, M., Sonigra, K. and Blakesley, J. (2010), "Service user experiences of a community forensic personality disorder service: a qualitative survey", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 47-56. https://doi.org/10.5042/bjfp.2010.0614